China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently organized a forum to celebrate five years of 5G commercial use in the country. The event highlighted China’s achievements in 5G development, showcasing the world’s largest 5G network, which includes over 3.7 million base stations and 889 million users.
5G-A: The Next Step in Mobile Communication
A key focus was on 5G-A, also referred to as 5.5G, marking the next evolution in mobile communication. Huawei’s Cao Jibin stressed 5G-A’s potential to significantly enhance network capabilities, including speed, latency, and positioning.
This advancement is driven by the increasing need for faster and more stable connections to support technologies like AI assistants and extensive data processing. 5G-A aims to deliver a tenfold increase in both bandwidth and latency, as well as sub-meter perception and centimeter-level positioning.
Future Demand and Industry Collaboration
Looking forward, Cao Jibin anticipates a surge in computing power requirements, especially for AI applications. He suggests integrating computing, storage, and networking to convert data centers into AI supercomputers. Despite challenges in chip manufacturing, he sees potential in optimizing network infrastructure through sector-wide collaboration.
The forum wrapped up with a call for industry-wide cooperation to fully harness the potential of 5G-A. This includes policy support, ongoing innovation, and fostering partnerships across the technology chain.
Achieving Full Connectivity
The goal is to achieve “full connectivity” across various scenarios, potentially creating a trillion-dollar industry through applications in smart factories, connected cars, and the low-altitude economy. With numerous opportunities and challenges ahead, China’s 5G program appears robust. The coming years will be crucial in determining the country’s progress.
